Box Score
BIRMINGHAM,Ala.- Patience isdefinitely a virtue, at least for Jackson State University’s men’s basketballteam it is.
The No. 5seed Jackson State defeated the No. 4 seed Mississippi Valley with a 57-55 comeback win Wednesday afternoon in the men’squarterfinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament in theBirmingham-Jefferson Complex Center Arena.
Previously,when these two rivals played each other back in Jan. 29 and Feb. 26, Jackson Statecame out with a loss both times. However, this time they came out as victors.
From the opening tip, both teams struggled on theoffensive end. The Devils shot 10-for-28 from the field while Jackson shot 7-for-31.Valley concluded the half clinging to a 21-25 lead over Jackson.
But Jacksonremained patient.
“We startedoff pretty slow and had a few mistakes but we bounced back,” said Jackson headcoach Telvester Anderson. “I told the men to be patient and their chance wouldcome.”
Jackson’schance did come in the second half, forcing Valley into committing 23 turnovers
“I don’tknow what happened to us out there,’ said Valley head coach Lafeyette Stribling.”It is a disappointment to have something that you know is yours, taken awayfrom you. I guess Jackson was more prepared and ready than we were.”
Seniorcenter Ross Kelly and freshman guard Charlie White of Jackson contributed 15points each.
“We beat avery high quality opponent,” said Anderson. “But we were patient and hung intough. We showed mental toughness and endured long, and that’s why we won.”
Jacksonwill play the winner of the Alabama A&M versus Arkansas Pine Bluff game Fridayat 7:30 p. m. televised on ESPNU, tape delayed
